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Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.